Shop products for Celecoxib 
Celecoxib is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; it is in a class of medications known as selective COX-2 inhibitor non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Potassium Sodium |
 Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous
results. |
Willow* |
 Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements
or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Lithium |
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known |
| Supportive interaction |
None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability |
None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Sodium and
Potassium
Controlled studies indicate that individuals on low-salt diets who take celecoxib retain
sodium and potassium, which might result in higher than normal blood levels of these
minerals.1 More research is needed to determine whether potassium supplements might
produce unwanted side effects in people taking celecoxib. Until more information is available,
people taking celecoxib should have their sodium and potassium blood levels monitored by their
healthcare practitioner.
Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts
to treat mood disorders such as manic-depression. Taking celecoxib together with the mineral
can result in significant increases in lithium blood levels,2 which might cause
unwanted side effects. Consequently, people taking celecoxib and lithium-containing
supplements should consult their healthcare practitioner about having their lithium blood
levels checked regularly.
Interactions with Herbs
Willow (Salix
alba)
Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin.
Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to
salicylic acid in the body. Taking aspirin and celecoxib together increases the likelihood of
developing stomach and intestinal ulcers.3 Though no studies have investigated a
similar interaction between willow bark and celecoxib, people taking the drug should avoid the
herb until more information is available.
References
1. Rossat J, Maillard M, Nussberger J. Renal effects of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition in normotensive salt-depleted subjects. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1999;66:76–84.
2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2901–4.
3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2901–4.
